Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall volunteers needed

Office of Communications & Marketing | Northeastern State University
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- This week Tahlequah hosts a reproduction of one of the United States' most solemn memorials, and organizers say local residents are welcome to volunteer during its visit.

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, a traveling three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display April 17 – 21 at the Sequoyah High School football field, 17091 S. Muskogee Ave.

"This is an opportunity for people in the Tahlequah area to honor the sacrifice of those represented on that wall," said Capt. Jason Uphoff, director of Military Science for Northeastern State University. "Our volunteers will be available to assist visitors."

Volunteer duties may include helping visitors locate names on the wall, making name rubbings, offering emotional support to visitors, reading names, and answering questions or providing directions. Individuals or groups may volunteer.

The public may visit the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall for free and at any hour.

The NSU ROTC Color Guard will lead an opening ceremony at the memorial on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., and a closing ceremony on Sunday at 4 p.m.

A third ceremony with the NSU ROTC Color Guard will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Go Ye Village, 1201 W. Fourth Street. Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma's Second U.S. Congressional District will attend.

The Tahlequah High School JROTC will assist NSU ROTC with assembly and disassembly of the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall.

Sponsors of the visit include the Cherokee Nation, the City of Tahlequah, the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commernce, Tahlequah Main Street and Reed-Culver Funeral Home.